papdog6767

ec, don't kid yourself, this kid can pitch. I'm not going to say he's going to dominate, but he will be very effective. While he won't blow anyone away with his velocity, his curveball is already an A+ pitch.

Taking it slow with a guy who is in the best shape of his life??? I don't see what should take a 26 year old who plays sports professionally and works out regularly so long to get back into "baseball shape." It shouldn't take longer than a week or two. The guy was only off 2 weeks and its not like he was nursing an injury. I know he's coming back from the hammy, but he already rehabbed from that. This is baseball we're talking about too.....not exaclty a sport you have to be in super shape to be effective......just ask John Kruk or Keith Hernandez (who use to smoke a pack a game).

Great job Monte!! Glad to hear someone enjoyed themselves. I can't believe how many incessant whiners there are on this island. Just remember folks.....God created whiskey to keep the Irish from ruling the wolrd!!!

Understood Eddie....but it wouldn't be the Mets unless there was uncertainty on a majority of the roster. While it would be nice to know if we have a good option to go to in the 8th inning going into the season, most teams are unsure of their bullpens. I equate most middle relivers to FG kickers in football....one year they're going to the probowl and the next year they're getting cut (Nick Folk).....and a majority of them, no matter how good, wet the bed when the pressure is on (Nate Kaeding, Shane Graham). That's why they're middle relievers. That being said, i have confidence in Parnell if for no other reason than he can at least throw the ball by a hitter. Its refereshing after all of the 'soft-tossers' we've seemed to have down there recently.

Eddie, you're nitpicking here. There was nothing wrong with the Mets moving Parnell to the rotation last year to see if he could cut it as a starter. He didn't get injured and only got more innings of experience under his belt. If he excelled as a starter, that would have only benefitted us more as we'd have more options in the starting rotation. If he didn't work out (which is the case) it was no big deal, back to the bullpen he goes. No harm, no foul in my opinion.

Consistently not running out ground balls? You obviously don't watch too many games. Yes he's had a few minor incidents, but I would not throw him into the "consistently not running out ground balls" category. I guees his numbers in '06 '07 & '08 weren't good enough for you. You must have pretty high standards then.

jtmazze, what point have you proven exactly by posting each players stats? Please explain to me what a "gamer" is? Where are your examples of Reyes' "lack of heart" and how is he "lackadasical in the field." Oh, and you are aware that Reyes does play SS which is genereally not viewed as an offensive position, while the other two play the OF, where you better put up numbers offensively if you want a job.

I have no problem with Reyes in the 3 slot either. The only thing good about Castillo is his ability to get on base, so why not utilize that in the leadoff spot. Reyes is one of our better over all hitters, and if he's batting 3rd and does happen to hit a triple with a man or two on, he's actually driving people in.

jtmazze, its obvious you are not a Mets fan from your post and don't watch the Mets regularly. Reyes' "lack of hustle" ??? I don't know where you get that from. An un-cluthness??

Omar and the Mets clearly do not like this year's crop of FA and are waiting until next season to let their young kids develop and re-load for 2011. There is no need to get locked in to one of these mediocre pitchers for a couple of seasons when we can possibly grab a guy like Cliff Lee next off-season. I know that's not what most want to hear, but I am ok with it. When healthy, this is still an above average team talent wise.....does that mean we contend for a playoff spot this season?? who knows.....but bringing in any of these mediocre pitchers not named Lackey wasn't going to exactly make the difference of us making or missing the post-season.

You may be right Eddie. I don't think Omar knows how to win. He is always one move short. He always seems to be chasing his tail. Two seasons ago he needs a starter and he goes out and gets Johan, but neglects to address the bullpen. This past off-season he addresses the bullpen, but fails to get anyone to play a competent LF for us, as well as get another viable starter. It will be interesting to see the moves he pulls this off-season. I think it will weigh heavily on next season's ticket sales. If Omar doesn't severely upgrade the talent on this team, you may see a lot of empty seats at Citifield next season. The novelty of the new stadium has worn off, and people aint going to go there just to grab a ShakeShack burger.